Attempted security breaches may rise by 30% for St Patrick’s Weekend

The celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day weekend won’t stop criminals from targeting businesses as attempted security breaches can increase by up to 30% over bank holidays, with St. Patrick’s Day being no exception, according to security specialists Netwatch.

This year to date Netwatch has seen a 16% increase in attempted security breaches and anticipates this figure to almost double during the St Patrick’s Day weekend.  Industries where materials and assets on-site are of high value will be of particular interest to criminals and Netwatch is urging these businesses to be aware of the potential risks to their premises when closed.

Netwatch says that it has noticed a reoccurring peak in loitering from large groups of youths, attempted premises breach and vandalism during bank holidays. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are a time of extra high alert for the Netwatch Intervention Specialists as an influx of crowds gather for the celebrations.

Unsurprisingly, the evening hours of St. Patrick’s Day weekend are of particular concern for businesses. The most common timings for attempted intrusion on Netwatch clients’ sites are the hours between 6pm and midnight, with over  half of incidents taking place during this time.

“Each year St. Patrick’s Day weekend sees a significant rise of criminal activity across our customers’ sites in Ireland as businesses close for a long weekend. Based on last year’s increase in attempted breaches on our clients’ sites, we urge businesses to be on high alert this St. Patrick’s Day weekend,” said Colin Hayes, Managing Director at Netwatch Ireland and UK.

Security Tips for the Saint Patrick’s Day weekend from Netwatch include:

  1. Ensure there is someone responsible for the task of locking up on the Thursday before the long weekend.
  2. Revise your list of keyholder contacts in case of emergency and inform your security company of the new contacts.
  3. Ensure that if alarm systems are raised on your premises, you have personnel for alarm attendance.
  4. Secure all windows and doors.
  5. Conduct smoke testing on fire detection systems.
  6. Criminals tend to be lurking and investigating an area before committing a crime. Teach your employees to watch out for suspicious behaviour and be aware of their surroundings.
  7. Keep the perimeter well-lit to serve two purposes. It can prevent trips and falls and deters potentials trespassers.  Installing motion sensor flood lights will accomplish the same goals while conserving energy.
  8. If using CCTV cameras check that your footage is backing up Often companies discover after a potential break-in that cameras have not been recording correctly.

If you need any advice on protecting your premises please get in contact now and one of our team will be happy to help. Click here and complete the short contact form, or alternatively you can live chat with us during business hour.